Matthew Runge

MSc (Neuroscience) 2013

Current Research

Pictorial Context and Mental Imagery in the Perception of Gravitational Apparent Motion: Neurophysiological Markers
Recently, researchers have used apparent motion, occlusion fore-period paradigms to monitor attention mobilization in early visual processing (Doherty, Rao, Mesulam, and Nobre, 2005; Correa, and Nobre, 2008). Through behavioural and EEG- based measures, these researchers concluded that spatial and temporal expectancies mobilize attention at an early stage in sensory processing to facilitate participant responding. Spatial and temporal expectancies were accompanied by a contra-lateral, synergistic P1 component at the Oz electrode, which was otherwise non-existent. This synergistic component maintained this pattern of activation towards anterior electrodes where it was thought to facilitate more rapid participant responding. The purpose of this study is to examine reaction times, and event related potentials (ERPs) in the occipital region to determine if gravitational acceleration operates as an expectation in pictorial and non-pictorial contexts. In addition, the contribution of mental imagery will also be tested. Eye movements and accuracy rates will be monitored to ensure participants maintain fixation upon a point in the center of the screen, and maintain an adequate level of accuracy, respectively.